THE DRAFT

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Growing up, like many Black parents, mine imparted a specific set of instructions on how to conduct oneself in the presence of law enforcement. The mantra was clear: "Yes, sir," "No, sir," avoid sudden movements, and minimize eye contact. It was not merely about teaching respect for authority but instilling a sense of fear. Regrettably, I soon discovered that becoming a target had little correlation with showing respect or disrespect towards an officer. The stark reality is that the "criminalization" (the action of turning an activity into a criminal offence by making it illegal) of individuals with dark skin is a pervasive issue, deeply entrenched within systemic structures.
 

During the summer of 2017, on a Sunday evening, I was returning from a visit to my brother's place when I was unexpectedly halted by the police. Two officers, without any prior warning, forcibly opened my car doors. The first officer aggressively restrained my face, rendering me immobile. Simultaneously, the second officer turned off my car's engine and removed the ignition key. I was abruptly pulled out of my vehicle, handcuffed, pressed against the car, subjected to a breathalyser test, and subsequently released without any coherent justification. Notably, I had not been speeding, using my cell phone while driving, running a stop sign, or violating any traffic laws. It was a stark reminder that individuals with dark skin often grapple with the burden of societal perceptions that stereotype them as one-dimensional, universally violent figures. Some even internalize these stereotypes and adjust their behaviour accordingly, attributing their encounters with prejudice to being in the "wrong place at the wrong time."
However, I have come to reject the notion of bearing responsibility for incidents of police brutality—there is nothing inherently flawed about me. My skin colour is not a crime, and I am not an overly sensitive individual. Over time, I have developed a resilient spirit.
 

Embedded within my DNA is a history marked by nearly 1800 years of enslavement—close to 1400 years through the Arab-Muslim Slave Trade; and an additional 400 years under European subjugation. I can tolerate the occasional jest or jests, but I have encountered the grim spectre of systemic racism on numerous occasions throughout my life. That fateful night, one of the officers inquired if I had a prior record with the police, essentially asking if I were a convicted criminal. The memory of the tight handcuffs etching into my arms lingers, profoundly affecting my sense of self. Consequently, the incident left me feeling exposed and stripped of my humanity, as those officers failed to recognize the person behind the skin colour.

My Story